Origins and Roles of Instrumental Music in the Operas of Richard Strauss: From Concert Hall to Opera House

Author:

Rowat, Malcolm

Year:

2012

Pages:

252

ISBN:

0-7734-3078-4978-0-7734-3078-5

Price:

199.95

The main purpose of this volume is to provide an overview to all of Richard Strauss’s musical and operatic compositions. Usually the operas are ignored by scholars and composers who only perform his instrumental works. This book shows that there is incredible musical value in the operas as well. It also showcases his compositional style and techniques, as the author states, Strauss could compose while riding on a noisy train, he was just that talented.

Because of his involvement with the Nazi Party, Richard Strauss has been ignored by musical scholars for quite some time. Even when he is studied his operas are often viewed as being less important than his instrumental works. This book remedies that misconception by addressing how his operas were created and pin pointing the musical importance by chronicling their compositional qualities. There is also quite a bit about Strauss’s life in this book as well.

Reviews

“A much needed book on Strauss. For the first time he brings into clear focus two of the most important things about the magnificent composer: his fabulous talent for instrumental music and his talent for opera.”

-Prof. John Deathridge,
King’s College, London

“The book is an admirable and engaging appraisal of Strauss’s work that focuses on the role of the orchestra, particularly in the operas.”

- Dr. Leon Botstein
Bard College

“Rowat takes a refreshingly different view…Readers wanting a concise overview to the composer’s major works will find this book helpful.”

- Prof. Lawrence Kramer,
Fordham University

Table of Contents

Foreword by John Deathridge

Chapter 1: Prologue

Controversial Musical and Personal Background
Purpose and Scope of Book

Chapter 2: Antecedents to Strauss’s Personal and Musical Development
Strauss’s Early Years